The 18-year-old is set to continue his hockey career next season at Boston College--the same school that Alex Newhook, Colorado's No.16 overall pick, is also committed to.
Helleson sat down with ColoradoAvalanche.com recently after he arrived in Denver for the team's development camp.
How has Denver been so far?
"I talked to a few of the guys, and the trainers have all been good to me. I am excited to get to know the guys. There is some pretty good competition out there, so I am going to try to get better and learn what it's like to be a pro."
What was your favorite part about playing with the U.S. National Team Development Program?
"We had a really good team. For me, it was probably just how close we were as a team. All the traveling we did, all the bus rides, the plane rides, going overseas, just being around each other as much as we were."
What are you looking forward to the most playing at Boston College?
"I'm mostly just excited to get out there. Again, I think we are going to have a great team. We have a bunch of really good young guys coming in. Alex Newhook is here, and I got to know him a little bit since I have been here and he seems like an unreal player. So I am excited to get out there and play with him."
What was your draft day like?
"I woke up, and I was with my family in the morning. There wasn't much talk; I think everyone was a little nervous. And once you hear your name called, it's kind of just a blur. You get up and do what everyone else does like hug your family, go down the stairs and before you know it you are wearing an NHL jersey. There are microphones in your face, pictures, it's just insane."
